Overcoming (Part 7): Selfishness
Bible Study by Martin G. CollinsPerhaps the main impediment to overcoming is our innate selfishness. Our goal is to bear the character of our God, whose primary characteristic outgoing concern.
Empirical Selfishness
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeWhile it is natural and harmless to identify with a teacher that we hear each week, that identification should not be the source of friction.
Murder By Selfishness!
Commentary by Martin G. CollinsSuicide is the 3rd leading cause of death among 15-24 year-olds. Contributory factors include depression, deteriorating family life, media glorification, and drugs.
Celebrating Birthdays
Article by Martin G. CollinsAre birthday celebrations as harmless as they seem? How did the practice start? Here is a spiritual principle concerning birthdays that many do not consider.
Take the Red Pill
Sermonette by Bill OnisickIf we were to consciously monitor our thoughts, we would be appalled about the percentage of our day that we are exclusively wrapped up in ourselves.
Overcoming (Part 10): Self-Pity
Bible Study by Martin G. CollinsWe all have low days, but when our despondency turns to self-pity, we have a problem. 'Woe is me' can hamper our growth because it is self-centeredness.
How Human Nature Came to Be
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughWhy is human nature so corrupt? Why is it so widespread? How did it come to be? Did God create it this way?
Overcoming (Part 4): Self-Will
Bible Study by Martin G. CollinsWe can easily slide down the path of spiritual self-destruction when self-will becomes dominant in our lives. Our goal is to live by God's will, not ours!
Marriage and the Bride of Christ (Part Eleven)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsOur concept of marriage must be positive and more mature, modeled after Christ's attentiveness toward the Church, as opposed to the world's distorted concept.
America First?
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughWe may be proud to be Americans, but the problem today is that we are often prouder to be something else. It does not matter what the 'something else' is.
Authority: Why So Many Resent It
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsPride, the father of all sins, is the source of self-exaltation, self-justification and the despising of authority. It cloaks rebellion in a deceptive appeal.
This Life of Sacrifice
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughSelfishness in any form turns Christianity on its head, making a mockery of the many sacrifices that form its foundation and the grace of God that makes it possible.
Human Will
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughGod's children should never emulate the self-willed attitude Frank Sinatra's song "My Way" glorifies. Human nature and godly character are polar opposites.
Themes of Ruth (Part Four): Kindness and Faith
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughBoth Ruth and Naomi demonstrated covenant loyalty in this marriages long after the death of their spouses. Ruth faithfully continued to serve her mother-in-law.
The Wrath of Man
CGG Weekly by Clyde FinkleaRighteous anger is unselfish. Sinful anger occurs when our desires, ambitions, or demands are not met, always focusing on satisfying the self.
What's Your Attitude?
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughRichard Ritenbaugh, reflecting on a recent swim meet he attended, suggests that the different strokes exhibited (freestyle, butterfly, breaststroke, or backstroke) metaphorically could depict different attitudes or approaches to life (aggressive, timid, wistful, fearful, self-controlled or uncertain). Because the human heart is …
The Longsuffering of Our Lord Is Salvation
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsBecause God has demonstrated incredible longsuffering with our shortcomings, we should similarly exercise forbearance to those who have offended us.
It's Not About You
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughRichard Ritenbaugh, commenting on the culture of the Baby Boomers, suggests that this generation has taken on characteristics of narcissism, self-absorption, and excessive self-centeredness, leading to rampant materialism. A narcissist looks neither outward nor up but inwardly, mindful only of self. In Acts 8:9-24, Simon …
The Weightier Matters (Part 4) : Faith and Fidelity
Article by StaffFaith and fidelity to God and His way of life should be a major part of our character. Here is what faith and fidelity are, how to recognize a lack of them.
Thankfulness (1986)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughJohn Ritenbaugh, reflecting that our national holiday Thanksgiving may be a parody of what God intended should be our understanding of thankfulness. Rather than something we do annually, we should be returning thanks several times daily. Thankfulness equips us to endure hard times. We need to give thanks for everything, …
Fruit of the Flesh - On Conflict
Sermonette by Bill OnisickAs God's chosen saints, we must not let our keyboard or mouth defile us. Godly conversation includes stifling the urge to win the argument at all costs.
Daily Overcoming
Sermonette by Bill OnisickDaily reflection helps to identify areas in our lives that need to be overcome. Without self-reflection, overcoming specific faults cannot gain traction.
Are Humans Good or Evil?
'Ready Answer' by Richard T. RitenbaughPhilosophy debates whether human beings are by nature good or evil, but the Bible is consistent—and perhaps surprising—in its description of man's nature.